| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Railway Tours |
Day 01: Saturday – Board the Maharajas' Express in Delhi – Onto Agra
Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express.
This evening, assemble at Safdarjung Railway Station at approximately 20:30 hrs and complete your registration and check-in formalities for the Maharajas' Express while enjoying a welcome drink.
The Maharajas' Express departs from Delhi at approximately 22:00 hrs for Agra.
Dinner will be served on board. Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 02: Sunday – Agra
Arrive in Agra, the jewel of India. Agra is home to one of the world's greatest architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal. With its spectacular monuments and picturesque surroundings, Agra is a legendary city enriched by history.
Early this morning, disembark to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable masterpiece is constructed entirely of white marble and is renowned for its intricate inlay work and beautifully carved marble screens. Approximately 20,000 of India's finest craftsmen contributed to creating this magnificent monument. Witness the magical play of light as the rising sun casts its golden rays upon the pearl-white marble, enhancing the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Later, enjoy a Champagne breakfast at Taj Khema, a scenic venue overlooking the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Following breakfast, return to the train.
OR
Following breakfast, you may choose to take an optional excursion to the magnificent Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. Return to the train for lunch.
After a leisurely lunch on board, enjoy free time for shopping for exquisite pietra dura marble handicrafts and fine Mughal jewellery that preserve the rich traditions of Mughal craftsmanship.
OR
You may choose to enjoy an optional spa session at a luxury hotel.
Return to the comfort of the train and continue your journey to Ranthambore National Park.
Breakfast at Taj Khema; lunch and dinner on board.
Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 03: Monday – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur
Upon arrival in Sawai Madhopur early in the morning, prepare for an exciting safari in Ranthambore National Park. Covering nearly 400 square kilometres of dry deciduous forest, the park derives its name from the magnificent 1,000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, which stands approximately 215 metres above the surrounding forest. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973.
The park is famous for sightings of tigers, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, leopards, and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, spotting the elusive tiger or the shy leopard is an unforgettable experience.
After breakfast at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, return to the train and relax as your journey continues towards Jaipur. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board.
Nestled amidst the rugged Aravalli Hills, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is famously known as the Pink City. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century, Jaipur is surrounded by majestic hills and adorned with magnificent palaces, impressive forts, and beautiful temples.
Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing tour with an opportunity to shop for some of Jaipur's finest jewellery, textiles, gemstones, and famous blue pottery.
Continue to the magnificent Amber Fort, situated on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. A short jeep ride takes you to the entrance of this spectacular fort, where you will explore the royal apartments while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Step back into the grandeur of the Mughal era as you visit the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the Hall of Victory.
OR
Upon arrival in Jaipur, you may choose one of the optional excursions, including a relaxing spa experience at a luxury palace hotel, a private shopping tour, or a round of golf at the Rambagh Golf Club.
The day concludes with a truly unique experience—an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match. Your arrival at the venue will be welcomed by a royal military band and the rhythmic beats of traditional Indian drums. You may watch the match or even participate in the exhibition game. Afterwards, enjoy an elegant dinner accompanied by sparkling wine.
Following dinner, return to the railway station and board the Maharajas' Express for your onward journey.
Breakfast at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge; lunch on board; Elephant Polo dinner with a glass of wine at a private venue.
Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 04: Tuesday – Bikaner
Your journey through the desert continues. As you enjoy breakfast on board, admire the desert landscape, dotted with scattered Prosopis cineraria trees, villagers dressed in brightly coloured turbans, and the occasional herd of camels breaking the vast monotony of the sands.
The medieval city of Bikaner was once a major centre of cross-desert caravan trade. Popularly known as the Camel Country, Bikaner is famous for having some of the finest riding camels in the world. Its magnificent forts, palaces, and temples, built from red and yellow sandstone, stand as enduring symbols of its rich historical and architectural heritage.
Late in the morning, arrive in the desert citadel of Bikaner and relax on board.
OR
You may choose one of the optional excursions. Visit the Lalgarh Palace Museum, which showcases fascinating exhibits highlighting the royal heritage of Bikaner.
OR
Take an excursion to the famous Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok, located on the outskirts of Bikaner. Popularly known as the Rat Temple, this unique shrine is home to hundreds of sacred rats that freely roam the temple complex and play an important role in its rituals and traditions.
After completing your chosen optional excursion, return to the train for lunch.
Following lunch, disembark and visit the magnificent Junagarh Fort, an unconquered fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh. Although the fort is protected by a formidable moat, its greatest treasures lie within. Explore the beautiful Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Anup Mahal. The Fort Museum displays an impressive collection of royal costumes, weapons, jewellery, and decorative artefacts.
Continue with an unforgettable experience as you journey through the surrounding villages of rural Rajasthan. Enjoy the royal pageantry as a convoy of beautifully decorated camel carts, accompanied by traditional musicians, takes you into the dunes for a spectacular sundowner.
Sip refreshing cocktails, savour delicious traditional barbecue delicacies, and enjoy captivating performances by renowned folk artists, including the Langaas and Kalbeliyas, whose music and dance create an unforgettable cultural experience.
Later, return to the comfort of the Maharajas' Express and continue your journey towards Jodhpur.
Breakfast and lunch on board; evening barbecue in the sand dunes.
Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 05: Wednesday – Jodhpur
This morning, the Maharajas' Express continues its journey into the heart of the Marwar region. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the train passes through the dramatic landscapes of the Thar Desert before arriving in the Blue City of Jodhpur.
The morning is at leisure on board.
OR
You may participate in one of the optional excursions. Embark on a village safari where you will visit a weaver's village, a potter's village, and a Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi community is regarded as one of the world's earliest environmental conservation communities. Observe their traditional lifestyle and witness remarkable skills and crafts that have been carefully preserved through generations.
OR
Relax with an optional spa treatment at a luxury hotel.
After your chosen excursion, return to the train for lunch.
Following lunch, disembark to explore Jodhpur, the former capital of the Marwar Kingdom. Surrounded by the golden sands of Rajasthan, the city is renowned for its magnificent forts, grand palaces, and remarkable Rajput architecture.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the bustling Clock Tower Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the local bazaars while strolling through the narrow lanes of the Blue City, lined with centuries-old houses and beautifully preserved havelis.
Continue to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's most impressive forts. Admire its intricately carved lattice windows, beautifully decorated courtyards, elegant balconies, and magnificent palaces.
Explore the royal apartments, temples, priceless jewels, and an exceptional collection of historic weapons displayed within the fort.
The highlight of the evening is a Royal Cocktail Dinner in the magnificent courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort, where you can savour authentic Marwar cuisine while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the illuminated city below.
Later, return to the train and continue your journey towards the beautiful city of Udaipur.
Breakfast and lunch on board; Royal Cocktail Dinner at Mehrangarh Fort.
Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 06: Thursday – Udaipur
This morning, awaken in the beautiful region of Mewar, one of the most celebrated royal kingdoms of Rajputana. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board while admiring the scenic beauty of the Aravalli Hills as the train arrives in Udaipur, the City of Lakes.
Often referred to as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is renowned for its elegant white marble palaces, tranquil lakes, lush green hills, and magnificent architecture. Its picturesque havelis, ghats, temples, and colourful bazaars make it one of India's most enchanting destinations.
Disembark and begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the magnificent City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Explore its graceful arches, ornate balconies, majestic domes, and intricately designed courtyards.
Visit Mor Chowk, famous for its stunning peacock mosaics, Moti Mahal with its exquisite mirror work, Chini Mahal adorned with decorative tiles, and the elegant Zenana Mahal.
Experience royal hospitality during lunch at the magnificent Durbar Hall, where the grandeur of the Mewar dynasty is beautifully preserved. Enjoy a lavish spread of international cuisine in an elegant royal setting.
After lunch, return to the train for a relaxing afternoon.
OR
You may choose to enjoy an optional spa treatment at a luxury palace hotel.
Later in the afternoon, you may also join an optional guided walking tour through the old markets of Udaipur. Browse shops selling beautifully embroidered textiles, traditional jewellery, miniature paintings, carved wooden artefacts, and a variety of local handicrafts.
Return to the luxury of the Maharajas' Express and prepare for another memorable journey.
Breakfast on board; lunch at Durbar Hall; dinner on board.
Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 07: Friday – Vadodara
Today, you arrive in the royal city of the Gaekwads, Vadodara, situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri River. Enjoy a relaxed morning on board the train after a leisurely breakfast.
OR
You may choose to participate in an optional golfing tour at the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club.
Later, after disembarking, travel by convoy through the picturesque countryside to the charming town of Jambughoda.
En route, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient city filled with fascinating ruins spread across the foothills of Pavagadh Hill, one of the oldest rock formations in India. Visit the magnificent Jami Masjid, an architectural masterpiece built in 1513, featuring soaring minarets and intricately carved gateways.
Upon arrival at Jambughoda, receive a traditional royal welcome and experience the warm hospitality of the former royal family. Relish an authentic royal lunch featuring traditional family recipes while interacting with members of the royal household and learning about their fascinating heritage.
Following lunch, return to Vadodara and visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. A delight for art lovers, the museum houses an exceptional collection of works by the renowned nineteenth-century Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, along with an impressive selection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century European paintings by masters such as Raphael, Titian, and Murillo.
Later, enjoy High Tea with snacks at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, this grand palace was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 and remains the residence of the royal family.
Admire the splendour of the ornate Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic flooring, Belgian stained-glass windows, and exquisite bronze and marble sculptures created by Felici. Enjoy a traditional folk dance performance unique to the royal household while savouring delicacies prepared by the royal kitchens.
Return to the railway station and board the Maharajas' Express for the final leg of your journey. Celebrate your unforgettable experience with a special Indian-themed evening on board.
Breakfast on board; lunch at Jambughoda; High Tea with snacks at Laxmi Vilas Palace; dinner on board.
Overnight stay on the Maharajas' Express.
Day 08: Saturday – Disembark in Mumbai
Early this morning, after breakfast, disembark at approximately 08:30 hrs at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai, India's financial capital.
Bid farewell to the Maharajas' Express as your unforgettable Royal India journey comes to an end. Though the journey concludes today, its cherished memories will remain with you forever.
Breakfast will be served on board the Maharajas' Express.
Note:
All optional tours and activities are available at an additional cost and are subject to availability. Details and pricing will be provided on board during the journey.
